Ex-Imo gov candidate backs FG’s move to end JSS, SSS separation

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A former governorship candidate of the Action Alliance in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, has commended the Federal Government for its decision to phase out the separation of Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School, describing the policy as a timely reform capable of reducing school dropouts and improving access to education.

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Nwosu’s commendation follows the Federal Government’s announcement that it would scrap the long-standing “disarticulation policy” separating JSS and SSS in favour of a seamless 12-year basic education system after official data revealed that more than 20 million pupils drop out before reaching senior secondary school.

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the existing structure had failed to achieve its objectives and contributed to poor transition rates from primary to secondary education.

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Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Nwosu described the reform as timely, progressive and necessary to address the growing challenge of school dropouts across the country.

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According to him, the new policy is a practical response to the alarming statistics showing that millions of Nigerian children drop out before completing their secondary education, stressing that uninterrupted access to education will strengthen the nation’s human capital development.

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He said, “This is one of the most important educational reforms in recent times. By creating a seamless twelve-year learning structure, the Federal Government has demonstrated commitment to reducing barriers that have hindered many children from completing their education.”

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Nwosu noted that the policy would particularly benefit children in rural communities and economically disadvantaged families, who often struggle with the transition between junior and senior secondary school.

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The former governorship candidate also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, for what he described as his unwavering commitment, visionary leadership and dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.

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According to him, the minister has shown remarkable courage and innovation in driving reforms aimed at improving access, quality and continuity in the nation’s education system.

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Nwosu urged state governments, education stakeholders and parents to support the implementation of the reform, emphasising that education remains the foundation for national growth and sustainable development.

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He further praised the administration for taking proactive steps towards strengthening the education sector and aligning Nigeria’s educational structure with global standards.

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He expressed optimism that, with proper implementation, the reform would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children and equip young Nigerians with better skills and opportunities for the future.

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Nwosu also applauded the Federal Government’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, describing the reform as a timely step towards repositioning the scheme as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1tn economy.

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The politician said the initiative would better equip Nigerian graduates with practical skills, promote entrepreneurship and enhance their contribution to national development.

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While commending the policy, Nwosu advised the Federal Government to retain the military orientation component of the NYSC, stressing that it remains essential for instilling discipline, patriotism and national unity among corps members.

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He also cautioned against allowing political interests to undermine the integrity of the scheme, urging the government to safeguard the NYSC from political interference to preserve its original mandate of fostering national cohesion and youth development.

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The Federal Government said it decided to abolish the JSS-SSS separation policy after findings showed that only about 15,000 junior secondary schools currently serve over 80,000 public primary schools nationwide, creating a significant gap in learners’ transition to secondary education.

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According to Alausa, the policy has contributed to overcrowding in junior secondary schools, underutilisation of senior secondary facilities and worsening dropout rates.

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He said the proposal would be presented to the National Council on Education for approval as part of broader efforts to expand access to quality education and tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.

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